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The Cliveden Set: Portrait of an Exclusive Fraternity
Lloyd George once spoke of 'a very powerful combination - in its way the most powerful in the country'. Its proceedings were invariably conducted at Cliveden, the country estate of the fabulously wealthy Nancy and Waldorf Astor. Collectively dubbed 'God's Truth Ltd', the group included leading politicians, academics, writers and newspaper editors. Its pedigree impeccable, its social standing beyond reproach, its persuasive powers permeated the clubs and institutions of London, the senior common rooms of Oxbridge colleges, the quality press and the great country houses of England. Suddenly, in the late 1930s, the 'Cliveden Set' was catapulted into uncalled-for notoriety. It had been identified as a cabal that sought to manipulate, even determine, British foreign policy in order to uphold its narrow class interests. It would use any means, however devious - even negotiate a humiliating, dishonourable settlement with Nazi Germany - to maintain its privileges, those of a decaying ruling class. But was the 'Cliveden Set' a traitorous cabal, challenging 'the constitutional structures of British democracy', or simply an unstructured think-tank of harmless do-gooders? Norman Rose discerningly probes this fascinating tale, brilliantly disentangling fact from fiction, and setting this privileged clique in the wider perspective of its times.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2000
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About the author
Norman Rose
25 books4 followersA distinguished historian and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Norman Rose is the Chair of International Relations at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 16, 2025
Norman Rose’s Cliveden Set (2000) offers a detailed historical analysis of the controversial political group associated with Nancy Astor and her social circle in the interwar period. The book provides a compelling narrative that seeks to distinguish myth from reality regarding the alleged pro-appeasement activities of this elite group. Rose critically examines the extent to which the Cliveden Set influenced British foreign policy, particularly in relation to Nazi Germany, and assesses the validity of claims that they played a significant role in shaping Britain’s appeasement strategy.
Rose organizes the book thematically, beginning with a portrait of Cliveden House as a social and political hub. He then explores the backgrounds and motivations of its key members, including Nancy Astor, Philip Kerr (Lord Lothian), and Geoffrey Dawson. The central argument of the book challenges the long-standing perception that the Cliveden Set was an informal yet powerful cabal that dictated British foreign policy. Instead, Rose presents a nuanced interpretation, arguing that while the Cliveden Set was sympathetic to appeasement, its influence has been exaggerated. He suggests that its members were primarily driven by a fear of another devastating war rather than ideological affinity with fascism.
A key strength of Rose’s analysis lies in his engagement with primary sources, including personal correspondence and diplomatic records, which help to contextualize the Cliveden Set’s activities. He effectively dismantles the sensationalist claims that emerged in the 1930s, particularly those propagated by the press, and demonstrates how the group’s influence was often overstated by contemporary critics and later historians.
Rose’s work contributes significantly to the historiography of British appeasement, offering a corrective to earlier interpretations that portrayed the Cliveden Set as a sinister force in British politics. By situating the group within the broader diplomatic and political landscape, Rose highlights the complexity of appeasement and the diverse range of opinions within British political circles. His analysis aligns with revisionist historians who argue that appeasement was not merely the product of elite manipulation but rather a widely supported policy rooted in the constraints of the time.
However, some scholars may find Rose’s argument overly dismissive of the Cliveden Set’s influence. While he persuasively challenges conspiracy theories, he perhaps underestimates the informal networks of power and elite influence in shaping public discourse and government attitudes. Furthermore, his focus on refuting myths occasionally detracts from a deeper exploration of the Set’s role in British society beyond foreign policy.
Cliveden Set is a well-researched and engaging study that provides a necessary reassessment of a controversial political circle. Rose’s balanced approach, grounded in meticulous archival research, challenges long-standing myths and contributes to a more sophisticated understanding of Britain’s interwar policies. While some readers may desire a more extensive exploration of the group’s broader societal influence, the book remains a valuable resource for scholars of British history and international relations.
GPT
Rose organizes the book thematically, beginning with a portrait of Cliveden House as a social and political hub. He then explores the backgrounds and motivations of its key members, including Nancy Astor, Philip Kerr (Lord Lothian), and Geoffrey Dawson. The central argument of the book challenges the long-standing perception that the Cliveden Set was an informal yet powerful cabal that dictated British foreign policy. Instead, Rose presents a nuanced interpretation, arguing that while the Cliveden Set was sympathetic to appeasement, its influence has been exaggerated. He suggests that its members were primarily driven by a fear of another devastating war rather than ideological affinity with fascism.
A key strength of Rose’s analysis lies in his engagement with primary sources, including personal correspondence and diplomatic records, which help to contextualize the Cliveden Set’s activities. He effectively dismantles the sensationalist claims that emerged in the 1930s, particularly those propagated by the press, and demonstrates how the group’s influence was often overstated by contemporary critics and later historians.
Rose’s work contributes significantly to the historiography of British appeasement, offering a corrective to earlier interpretations that portrayed the Cliveden Set as a sinister force in British politics. By situating the group within the broader diplomatic and political landscape, Rose highlights the complexity of appeasement and the diverse range of opinions within British political circles. His analysis aligns with revisionist historians who argue that appeasement was not merely the product of elite manipulation but rather a widely supported policy rooted in the constraints of the time.
However, some scholars may find Rose’s argument overly dismissive of the Cliveden Set’s influence. While he persuasively challenges conspiracy theories, he perhaps underestimates the informal networks of power and elite influence in shaping public discourse and government attitudes. Furthermore, his focus on refuting myths occasionally detracts from a deeper exploration of the Set’s role in British society beyond foreign policy.
Cliveden Set is a well-researched and engaging study that provides a necessary reassessment of a controversial political circle. Rose’s balanced approach, grounded in meticulous archival research, challenges long-standing myths and contributes to a more sophisticated understanding of Britain’s interwar policies. While some readers may desire a more extensive exploration of the group’s broader societal influence, the book remains a valuable resource for scholars of British history and international relations.
GPT
September 3, 2021
I was intrigued about my grandfather's 2nd cousin Geoffrey Dawson (George Geoffrey Robinson )
& his role in Cliveden set . It mentions a lot about him .
There is mention of Halifax , father-in-law of Ruth Primrose, a distant cousin (4th 2 r).
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews